Damnation Spring

Rich takes Lark out for a rare day of errands in and around town. When Rich ducks into the post office to send off his mortgage payment, he emerges to find Merle Sanderson chatting to Lark. Apparently, the young Sanderson kid beat up Eugene upon hearing about the abortion, and Merle sent him back up north to his relatives.

Rich takes Lark to the bank. An hour later, Lark returns to the car with the newspaper. The headline reads: “DAMNATION GROVE HARVEST APPROVED” (361). Rich’s mind begins to spin with plans to extract his timber from the 24-7 Ridge.

Before they return home, Rich takes Lark to visit an old flame who works at a local bar. Lark slips her a heron he has carved. On the way out, Lark gives Rich $1,800. Ostensibly, it is a loan. Lark says it will allow Rich to make mortgage payments until he can harvest the 24-7.

Colleen is angry that the Damnation Grove harvest might lead to renewed spraying right by the family home. Rich says because the spray is legal, there is nothing he can do. The pair are arguing when the phone rings. It is Sanderson’s secretary Marsha, with news for Rich.